The SRA Handbook is no longer in effect. It was replaced by the SRA Standards and Regulations on 25 November 2019.

SRA Handbook

Completion of the academic stage

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Version 4 of the Handbook was published on 21/06/2012. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 3: Completion of the academic stage

3.1

You can satisfy the academic stage of training by satisfactorily completing:

(a)

a QLD;

(b)

a CPE;

(c)

a Diploma in Law; or

(d)

an Exempting Law Degree or Integrated Course.

3.2

In exceptional circumstances we may accept such other evidence of academic ability as we think fit as equivalent to completion of the academic stage for the purposes of regulation 3.1 if you complete a course of study for one of the qualifications referred to in that regulation.

3.3

Notwithstanding regulation 3.5, if you fall under regulation 3.1 you must obtain a certificate from us within the prescribed time limit confirming that you have satisfied the academic stage before proceeding to the vocational stage.

3.4

If you are studying an Exempting Law Degree or Integrated Course you must obtain a certificate confirming that you have satisfied the academic stage by virtue of regulation 3.1(d) from us within the prescribed time limit before you enter into a training contract.

3.5

If you enter into a part-time study training contract under regulation 22 whilst studying a course under regulation 3.1, you are not required to obtain a certificate of completion of the academic stage before commencing work under that contract. You must obtain a certificate of completion from us before you are admitted.

Guidance note:

(i)

The Joint Statement on Qualifying Law Degrees (PDF 51K), prepared jointly by the SRA and the BSB, sets out the conditions a law degree course must meet in order to be termed a QLD.

(ii)

JASB is responsible for the setting and implementation of policies for the academic stage, as well as validation and review of QLDs, Diplomas in Law, and CPEs. The JASB's policies, as well as those of the SRA and BSB, are contained in the Joint Academic Stage Handbook.